Stewart, who won the race in which the crash occurred, spent more than two hours visiting the six patients still hospitalized at Halifax Health and interacted at length with five of them, according to Stewart-Haas Racing spokesman Mike Arning.

The driver gave each patient an autographed hat from sponsor Bass Pro Shops that he personalized in their presence, Arning said.

Stewart's visit was not intended to be public, but word began to leak via Twitter on Monday afternoon.

How the scary last-lap crash in Saturday's Nationwide race from Daytona looked from the stands courtesy of Tim Simmons (@kartracer3886).
Tim Simmons

Immediately after his win Saturday, Stewart expressed concern for the fans.

"We've always known since racing was started this was a dangerous sport, but we assume that risk, and it's hard when the fans get caught up in it," Stewart said in a subdued celebration that day. "So as much as we want to celebrate now and as much as this is a big deal to all of us, I'm more worried about the drivers (injured) and the fans in the stands right now, because I could see it all in the mirror, and it didn't look good from where I was at, either."

Sunday, Stewart was involved in an early crash that ended his hopes of winning a Daytona 500 for the first time. He told USA TODAY Sports before the race he felt "mule-kicked" every time he didn't win it and said after his crash he was "heartbroken and disappointed."

It didn't stop him from spreading good cheer at the hospital. Stewart, despite his surly reputation with the media, is known for quiet acts of generosity -- many never becoming public.

"A lot of it is I didn't grow up in a wealthy family, and there were a lot of people along the way who helped out," he said in 2010 after winning a humanitarian award. "It may have just been someone who gave me $20 and said, 'Hey, here's some money to help you put gas in your car and get to the next race.' It may have been somebody who had a kid off to college that said, 'Hey, our daughter's room is pink, but you're more than welcome to stay in it tonight and save yourself from spending money on a hotel room or sleeping in your car.'

"Just little things like that that show you how much people helped us along the way. Now we're finally in a position to turn that around and help others."

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An official stands next to the damaged crash fence as the engine of NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Larson catches fire during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports

The engine of NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Larson (32) is seen after it went through the catch fence during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports

Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood (left) and NASCAR vice president of operations Steve O'Donnell speak at a press conference after the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports

Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood (left) and NASCAR vice president of operations Steve O'Donnell leave the stage following a press conference after the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
JD Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

A pair of fans walk away as another fan is treated for injuries sustained from debris that went into the stands following a crash on the last lap of the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Larson (32) goes up into the fence after being involved in a crash on the final lap during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Sam Sharpe, USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Larson (32) goes up into the fence after being involved in a crash on the final lap during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Sam Sharpe, USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Larson (32) goes up into the fence after being involved in a crash on the final lap during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Sam Sharpe, USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Larson (32) goes up into the fence after being involved in a crash on the final lap during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers Kyle Larson (32) and Brad Keselowski (22) cross the finish line as they crash on the final lap during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Larson (32) walks away from the remains of his car after crashing on the last lap of the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports